Atlético Mineiro vs Flamengo Prediction, Match Preview, Wednesday, 26 November

Atlético Mineiro vs Flamengo Prediction, Match Preview: This upcoming clash in the Brazilian Serie A is set to take place on Wednesday, 26 November. Both teams are well-established powerhouses in Brazilian football, making this encounter particularly significant as they compete for crucial points in the league standings. Atlético Mineiro, playing at home, will be eager to capitalise on their local advantage against Flamengo, who are renowned for their formidable away performances.

The absence of a specified venue adds an element of unpredictability to the match, but it does not diminish the intensity expected on the field. Atlético Mineiro and Flamengo share a storied rivalry, and this match could have implications for their positions in the Serie A table. Fans and bettors alike will be keenly watching to see which team can assert dominance in this highly anticipated fixture.

Atlético Mineiro vs Flamengo Prediction & Betting Tip

Considering the recent form and head-to-head record, our recommended betting tip is to back Flamengo on a double chance (win or draw). This offers a balance of value and safety given Flamengo’s solid defensive performances and psychological edge over Atlético Mineiro.

• Flamengo have won three of their last five meetings against Atlético Mineiro, including a recent 1-0 league victory.
• Atlético Mineiro have struggled to score in their last two matches, suggesting confidence issues in attack.
• Flamengo have kept clean sheets in their last two games against Atlético Mineiro, indicating strong defensive form.

Betting Odds

In this Brazilian Serie A clash, Flamengo are the favourites with odds of 1.86, reflecting their strong form this season. Atlético Mineiro, playing at home, are priced at 4.11, suggesting they are the underdogs, but not without a chance given their home advantage.

The draw is set at 3.4, which could be tempting for those expecting a closely contested match. With both teams known for their attacking prowess, the over 2.5 goals market might also appeal to savvy punters.

Atlético Mineiro Analysis & Past Performance

Atlético Mineiro have experienced mixed results recently, recording two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five outings. Their most recent match was a thrilling 4-5 defeat against Lanús in the Copa Sudamericana, highlighting both their attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities.

Recent Form:
The team has scored an average of 2.80 goals per match in their recent fixtures, significantly boosted by the performances of their top scorer, Hulk, who has netted 7 goals this season. However, they’ve also conceded an average of 2.40 goals, indicating a need for defensive improvements. Atlético Mineiro’s inability to keep clean sheets, with only one in the last five matches, further emphasises their defensive challenges.

Home Performance:
Atlético Mineiro have been relatively strong at home, remaining unbeaten with three wins and two draws in their last five home games. Their home win ratio stands at 60%, showcasing a solid home advantage. However, the team’s defence remains a concern, as evidenced by their average of 1.50 goals conceded per home game over the last ten matches.

League Position:

• LLDWW

Currently sitting in 11th place with 44 points, Atlético Mineiro have a win ratio of 32% this season. Their mid-table position reflects their inconsistent performances, with an equal number of wins, draws, and losses impacting their push for higher standings.

Atlético Mineiro Suspensions & Injuries

Atlético Mineiro face significant challenges with key players out due to injuries and suspensions. The absence of Igor Gomes, suspended for a red card, will force a midfield reshuffle. His creative presence and ability to link play in the middle of the park have been crucial, and his absence will be felt against Flamengo. The likely replacement could be Mariano, who brings experience but lacks Gomes’s dynamism.

Injuries have also hit Atlético Mineiro hard, with Caio Maia, Tomás Cuello, Júnior Santos, Lyanco, and Alan Franco sidelined. The loss of Alan Franco to a muscle injury is particularly concerning as he forms a vital part of the team’s defensive shield. His absence, coupled with Igor Gomes’s suspension, will test the depth of Jorge Sampaoli’s squad.

Tactically, Sampaoli may need to adopt a more conservative approach, potentially shifting to a 4-3-3 to compensate for the missing midfield dynamism. The lack of depth could impact Atlético Mineiro’s ability to maintain their high-pressing style, and they might need to rely more on counter-attacking strategies. These absences could influence betting markets, with the team’s overall strength appearing diminished.

Atlético Mineiro Key Players

Hulk remains the focal point of Atlético Mineiro’s offensive play, having netted 7 goals this season. His ability to hold up the ball and provide a physical presence in the box makes him a constant threat to opposing defences. As both a top scorer and playmaker, Hulk’s influence will be pivotal in breaking through Flamengo’s backline.

Supporting Hulk in attack, Rony and Dudu are expected to add dynamism and pace. Rony’s agility allows him to exploit spaces, while Dudu’s vision can unlock defensive setups. In midfield, Bernard’s creative flair and Fausto Vera’s defensive solidity offer a balanced approach, enabling Atlético Mineiro to control the tempo of the game.

Expected lineup for Atlético Mineiro

• Goalkeeper: Everson
• Defenders: Renzo Saravia, Júnior Alonso, Vitor Hugo, Guilherme Arana
• Midfielders: Fausto Vera, Bernard, Alexsander
• Forwards: Rony, Hulk, Dudu

Defensively, Júnior Alonso anchors the backline, providing leadership and composure. Alongside him, Vitor Hugo’s tackling and aerial prowess are crucial for thwarting Flamengo’s advances. With Renzo Saravia and Guilherme Arana as full-backs, Atlético Mineiro can expect both defensive stability and attacking width, making them formidable at both ends of the pitch.

Atlético Mineiro Tactics and Formation

Atlético Mineiro Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Hulk
• Midfield Engine: Alan Franco and Igor Gomes
• Defensive Structure: Júnior Alonso leading the backline
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on attacking transitions and high pressing.

Under Jorge Sampaoli, Atlético Mineiro typically set up in a 4-3-3 formation, allowing for fluid attacking transitions and dynamic play. The midfield trio, led by Alan Franco and Igor Gomes, is pivotal in maintaining possession and initiating attacks. Guilherme Arana’s overlapping runs from the left-back position further enhance their offensive options.

Defensively, Júnior Alonso anchors the backline, combining experience with tactical awareness. Despite their attacking prowess, Atlético Mineiro have struggled to maintain clean sheets, as evidenced by their recent 4-5 loss to Lanús, highlighting vulnerabilities in defensive transitions.

Offensively, Atlético Mineiro leverage the physicality and finishing skills of Hulk, their top scorer with seven goals this season. The team focus on high pressing and quick transitions, aiming to exploit defensive gaps and create goal-scoring opportunities.

Flamengo Analysis & Past Performance

Flamengo’s recent form has been commendable, as they have secured three wins out of their last five matches, including a commanding 3-0 victory over Red Bull Bragantino. Despite a narrow loss to Fluminense (2-1), Flamengo showcased their attacking prowess with a 5-1 triumph against Sport Recife and a thrilling 3-2 win over Santos FC.

Performance Analysis:
Flamengo’s attacking unit has been prolific, averaging 2.80 goals per game in their last five matches. Giorgian de Arrascaeta is a key contributor, netting 18 goals this season. Defensively, Flamengo have managed only one clean sheet in the last five matches, conceding an average of 1.40 goals per game, highlighting a potential area of vulnerability.

Team Statistics:
Flamengo have scored in all their recent matches, maintaining a high scoring average of 2.09 goals per game this season. However, they have been less successful in securing clean sheets, with only a 0.20 clean sheet ratio in the last five games. Their away form shows mixed results, with 2 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw in the last five away matches.

Team Dynamics:

• WLWWD

Currently sitting at the top of the Serie A standings with 74 points, Flamengo’s offensive strategies have been effective, though defensive lapses have occasionally cost them. With a win ratio of 0.60 in recent games, Flamengo will aim to fortify their defence while leveraging their attacking strengths in their upcoming fixture.

Flamengo Suspensions & Injuries

Flamengo face significant challenges due to the absence of key players Léo Ortiz and Pedro. Ortiz, suffering from an ankle injury, is doubtful, leaving Flamengo’s defence vulnerable. His absence might force a reshuffle at the back, potentially bringing in less experienced players such as Matheusinho. Pedro’s unavailability for the rest of the season due to a thigh injury is a major blow to Flamengo’s attacking options. His role as a prolific forward will be sorely missed, necessitating tactical adjustments in the forward line, possibly relying more on Gonzalo Plata and Everton to fill the void.

The tactical impact of these injuries is substantial. Without Pedro’s presence up front, Flamengo may need to adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on midfield control to mitigate the loss of their attacking prowess. Léo Ortiz’s absence could see Flamengo employing a deeper defensive line to compensate for the lack of a seasoned centre-back, which might also affect their usual attacking fluidity.

With these key players unavailable, Flamengo’s overall strength is undoubtedly compromised, potentially influencing betting markets. The team’s depth will be tested, and any tactical adjustments made by coach Filipe Luís will be crucial in determining Flamengo’s ability to maintain their competitive edge in this fixture.

Flamengo Key Players

Flamengo’s attacking prowess is spearheaded by their top scorer, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, who has impressively netted 18 goals this season. His ability to manoeuvre through tight defences and deliver precise finishes makes him a constant threat. Operating in the midfield, de Arrascaeta’s vision and creativity are indispensable, often orchestrating plays that open up opportunities for his teammates.

In addition to de Arrascaeta, the midfield dynamism provided by Saúl Ñíguez and Erick Pulgar is vital. Ñíguez’s versatility allows him to contribute both offensively and defensively, while Pulgar’s defensive midfield role ensures stability and transitions into attack. Meanwhile, in defence, Alex Sandro’s experience and leadership at left-back are crucial for maintaining the team’s shape and providing width going forward.

Expected lineup for Flamengo

• Goalkeeper: Agustín Rossi
• Defenders: Guillermo Varela, Danilo, Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro
• Midfielders: Saúl Ñíguez, Erick Pulgar, Giorgian de Arrascaeta
• Forwards: Jorge Carrascal, Samuel Dias Lino, Bruno Henrique

Flamengo’s tactical approach heavily relies on the interplay between these key players, with their strengths lying in fluid attacking movements and disciplined defensive setups. The combination of de Arrascaeta’s playmaking, Ñíguez’s box-to-box energy, and Sandro’s defensive acumen creates a balanced and formidable unit capable of overcoming the challenges posed by Atlético Mineiro.

Flamengo Tactics and Formation

Flamengo Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Gonzalo Plata
• Midfield Pivot: Everton Araújo and Jorginho
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Strong ball possession and quick transitions.

Flamengo’s 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. With Everton Araújo and Jorginho anchoring the midfield, Flamengo ensure a balance between defensive protection and attacking support. Giorgian de Arrascaeta, positioned as an attacking midfielder, is pivotal in orchestrating play and linking up with the forward line.

Defensively, Flamengo rely on the experienced backline of Guillermo Varela, Danilo, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro. Despite only securing one clean sheet in their last five outings, the defensive unit is capable of absorbing pressure and initiating counterattacks.

Offensively, Flamengo focus on maintaining high ball possession, with an emphasis on quick transitions to exploit spaces left by the opposition. This approach has seen them score an average of 2.80 goals per game in their last five matches.

Atlético Mineiro vs Flamengo Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Atlético Mineiro and Flamengo, Flamengo hold a slight edge with 21 wins compared to Atlético Mineiro’s 20, alongside 9 draws. Their last encounter saw Atlético Mineiro triumph in a penalty shoot-out after a 0-1 loss in regular time during a cup match.

In Serie A clashes, Flamengo have been more dominant recently, with their last league meeting ending in a 1-0 victory for Flamengo. Atlético Mineiro will be keen to even the scales in this upcoming fixture.